Overview
- Jonathan Smith publicly recognized the criticism and job scrutiny following a 38-13 home loss to UCLA that left Michigan State 3-3 overall and 0-3 in the Big Ten.
- Smith said the staff conducted a “deep, deep dive” and is weighing schematic, personnel and practice changes with an emphasis on simplifying to improve execution.
- Starting quarterback Aidan Chiles is listed as questionable for Saturday, with Smith describing his outlook as optimistic and a final call expected by week’s end.
- Redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic would start if Chiles can’t play, while RG Kristian Phillips and TE Michael Masunas are late‑week decisions and defenders Jalen Thompson, Ben Roberts and Nikai Martinez could return.
- Indiana opened as roughly a 25.5‑point favorite, and conversation about Smith’s future continues given his 8-10 record at MSU and a reported buyout of more than $30 million.